From the Diocesan Children’s Office
Hello from Waterford!
LOOKING AT WORSHIP- WORSHIP FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Including youth and children in family worship:
One may think this comes solely under the role of clergy because a church service is involved but not so, in that we all have a part to play in the nurture of our children and young people. Nurture and a love for God should begin from the home, through school and into church. Parents, clergy, Sunday school teachers, churchwardens, congregation- everyone in short- have a role and indeed a responsibility in making worship a meaningful experience for all.
Here are some suggestions, which can help:
- Tell our children why it is important for them to attend worship
- Adults including wardens make a point of welcoming the children
- Parents sitting with children and helping them follow what is going on
- Have a short children’s message before they leave for Sunday school and a prayer for them and their teachers
- Include at least one hymn or song that children can enjoy, easily sing or learn
Teacher Training
There is Sunday School teacher training going on at parish level across the diocese, let me know if your parish would like specific training or advice on Safe guarding trust, Garda vetting etc.
Safe guarding trust
There is a safe guarding trust training in Stradbally, Co Waterford on Tuesday 30th January at 7.30 p.m.
Resources
There are many resources available for Sunday School and children’s ministry. Do continue to contact me about these.
Isobel
====================================================
BOUGH YC
Hello Everyone
With Spring just in, the year is well underway and the business that February/March/April brings in the farmyard is all ahead of us. I just hope when we are reading these notes that the weather is Spring like.
Bough Youth Club:
On Thursday 28th December we set sail for Dundrum Shopping Centre and Kilternan Ski-ing Club. An enjoyable day was had by all with both bargains been got in the shops and sliding all over the slopes. Thank you to our helpers on the day.
We will have a meeting in Bough Hall on Saturday 27th January. Details next month.
Youth Alive:
Kiltegan hosted the Youth Alive Youth Service in January. The Revd Lady Stella Durand led the service. It was a different style but had it own identity. Thank you to all who were involved.
Please note that the February Service is in Dunlavin Church on Saturday 3rd February. Sorry for any inconvenience I was only made aware of this recently.
With a glad heart I am delighted to report, Ellen Kinch continues her inspirational battle with cancer and is in good spirits. We all continue to remember her and her family in our prayers as we all travel the road to better health with Ellen. Keep up the excellent work Kid.
Both Ruth and I and all at Bough Youth Club would like to express sympathy to Alan Condell (past member of Bough) on the passing of his mother Mrs Phyllis Condell. Alan you are in our prayful thoughts.
We remember all those who are sitting mock exams at this time of year. Remember they are only the mocks and just give you a feel for what is ahead.
Finally can I thank everyone who wished me well with my new employers. I haven’t left Morrins, but the company has been taken over by William Connolly & Sons in Goresbridge.
Dates for the Diary:
During the Mid term there will be a Youth Club trip to Carlow Date to be confirmed at January Meeting. Please contact me ASAP if interested.
Saturday 3rd March Youth Alive Youth Service in Baltinglass at 8 p.m.
Saturday 31st March Bough Youth Club Meeting in Bough Hall at 9 p.m.
If you need any information on any of the above contact me on 087 2776282 or 087 2522947 or 053 9429171 or email ericgjdriver@yahoo.ie.
Till next month
Eric Driver
===================================================
GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY
PRO: Olive Thorpe
E Mail: olivethorpe@eircom.net
The Write Gift – Project for GFS 2007
At the Diocesan Council Meeting in November, Diocesan President, Mavis Thompson, introduced leaders to The Write Gift Project which GFS branches are asked to support for 2007. The Write Gift Project is a gift of a pencil case to a Ugandan child and is being promoted with the backing of the Ugandan Vice-President who has agreed to waive the import tax on the pencil cases as these cases are given directly to schools sponsored by Fields of Life.
Fields of Life was founded by the Revd Trevor and Mrs. Ruth Stevenson in the early 90s. Using Trevor’s agricultural background, a farm was established. It became apparent that education was the essential tool needed for the future of Ugandan people and Trevor built Fields of Life’s first school at this farm. The work has since grown with both primary and secondary schools spread all over Uganda. Medical clinics, the child sponsorship scheme and many other projects are also components of this work. Recently Fields of Life extended its ministry beyond the Ugandan borders to Rwanda and Kenya. Trevor and Ruth direct the operations of Fields of Life from Ireland and the work in Uganda is carried out by a dedicated team of field staff. Fields of Life’s mission statement is “Helping others help themselves”.
How will a pencil case benefit a Ugandan child?
The gift of a pencil case will equip a child to learn more effectively. As a result of war, poverty, famine or disease many Ugandan children can not afford basic items of education such as pencils and pens. These gifts will be greatly appreciated by the children.
What should be included in your pencil case:
Each pencil case should include €2 (to assist with transport and administration), A pencil, a selection of coloured biros, a ruler, a pencil eraser, a pencil sharpener. Other items can be included such as sticky tape, felt tip pens, crayons and colouring pencils. If you want you may also donate Blackboard Duster, Stapler and Staples, Hole Puncher, Blue Tack & chalk.
Who can give a pencil case?
Anybody who wishes, you do not have to be a member of GFS, but it is hoped that each branch can organise the delivery of the pencil cases to the Diocesan Council Meeting on Saturday 10th March in Abbeyleix Hall at 3 p.m.
If you do not have a GFS branch if your parish and would like to know more about Fields of Life or the Write Gift Project you can email: thewritegift@fielsoflife.com, or log onto www.fieldsoflife.com Phone: (01) 2822510 or Pencil Cases can be posted to: The Write Gift, “Treetops”, Bride’s Glen Road, Shankill, Co. Dublin.
GFS Dates and Events in 2007
Friday 9th February Bowling Evening Carlow Bowling Centre
Saturday 10th March Diocesan Council Meeting Abbeyleix Hall at 3 p.m.
Weekend 13th – 15th April Diocesan Camp for girls over 9 yrs Venue to be confirmed
Sunday20th May Diocesan Service & Prize Giving St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny
Saturday 30th June Day Camp for girls under 9 yrs Venue to be confirmed
========================================================